Collapsible data entry panel

ABSTRACT

A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ½ of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse. If the panel is subsequently released, it will automatically spring back to its original, extended configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to keyboards and other data entrypanels for inputting information into a computer, and more specificallyto collapsible keyboards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The miniaturization, expanding processing power andcommunications capabilities of computer and electronic equipmentcontinues to accelerate at a furious pace. One of the primary factorsdriving this growth relates to what is commonly referred to as Moore'sLaw, after Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel Corporation. Moore'sLaw, while actually only a theory, states that the density oftransistors doubles every 18 to 24 months. This miniaturization, coupledwith declining cost of computer chips, continues to drive development ofa broad and deep matrix of new electronic devices in addition to newcombinations of existing devices. Hardware is being enhanced by softwarethat permits communication, Internet, and World Wide Web (Web) access.In the future, many consumer products are expected to have thecapability of being connected, monitored and controlled over electronicnetworks. wireless telephones; electronic/computer systems forautomobiles, trucks and other vehicles; musical synthesizers and otherrelated products; televisions; digital video disks (DVDs); videocassette recorders (VCRs); calculators; kiosks; and other present andevolving electronic products. Hardware devices are being reduced in sizeand weight, enhanced in processing power and communication capabilities,and combined with complementary products as the underlying technologiesadvance. In addition, new technological features are being incorporatedinto appliances and other products that traditionally lacked suchcharacteristics.

[0003] User interfaces for these creative new products are alsoevolving. Output devices, consisting primarily of print, video and audiodevices, have become smaller with sharper images and acoustics. Videomonitors can now be built into standard prescription eyeglasses ormanufactured to display color web pages on screens smaller than a dime.In general, displays are significantly thinner, lighter, and consumeless power than in the recent past. Similarly, computer printers andscanners are now available which fit into a coat pocket at much lowercost.

[0004] Input devices consist primarily of keyboards, scanners, cameras,microphones and other sensors. All of these input devices have enjoyedimproved performance coupled with efficient miniaturization, with thenotable exception keyboards and related keyboard-input devices. For thepurpose of this application, the definition of input devices is thosedevices that allow information to be manually input into electronicdevices.

[0005] The most familiar, comfortable, efficient and accepted interfacesfor people who manually input information are full-sized keyboards andkeypads, such as standard computer keyboards; pianos (and other musicalinstruments); telephones; and calculator key panels. However, despitecontinuing advances in technology, these full-sized input devices havenot kept pace with the shrinking size and weight of electronic hardware.Full-sized input devices are too heavy and impractical to use andtransport, particularly for the increasing number of devices intended tofit into a shirt pocket or purse.

[0006] The main obstacle which limits even greater growth and marketacceptance of many new electronic products, particularly portabledevices, has been a lack of full-sized keyboard-based input solutionswhich can satisfy two important requirements: first, providingconventional utilization in terms of a full-size layout, standard keyspacing and proper tactile response; and second, having the ability tobe easily compressed and miniaturized for transport and storage. Thesetwo characteristics will become increasing important to thecommunication and information technology industries as new productsevolve and further penetrate the mass market.

[0007] The primary approach the electronic industry has taken to addressproblems with keyboard-based input devices has been to start from astandard hard keyboard and significantly reduce its overall dimensionswhile maintaining its proportions. Such keyboards are almost always anattached component of the product and do not offer an acceptable userexperience in terms of key spacing and tactile response. While thesesmaller keyboards provide portability to the products, users arefrustrated to sacrifice traditional usability and efficiency. Many haveinvested substantial amounts of time and money to master keyboardskills. The success of any electronics product will be limited ifunfriendly or unfamiliar input devices handicap users.

[0008] Efforts have been made to develop collapsible keyboards, but havemet limited success. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,616,897 to Weber etal. and 5,666,112 to Crowley et al. disclose a roll-up keyboards. U.S.Pat. No. 5,574,481 to Lee discloses a folding keyboard. U.S. Pat. Nos.5,141,343 to Roylance, 5,575,576 to Roysden, and 5,733,056 to Meagherdisclose contracting-expanding keyboards. However, few of these priorart efforts have succeeded in collapsing a keyboard to a sufficientlysmall size, i.e., pocket size. In addition, many of these keyboards aremechanically complex and as a result costly to manufacture. One exampleof a mechanically complex collapsible keyboard that folds to fit in apocket is the Stowaway™ keyboard by a company called ThinkOutside.

[0009] Another response to the problems with keyboard-based inputdevices is to rely on handwriting recognition software for data entry.This answer admits defeat for keyboard-oriented users and those withpoor penmanship. There are few handwriting recognition programs that canachieve 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the fastest handwriting recognitionprograms currently take about three times as long to recognizecharacters compared to typing on a keyboard.

[0010] Voice recognition software is also being offered as analternative to keyboard-based input, but this solution has itslimitations including a need for faster processing, a current lack ofbroad-based acceptance and serious privacy issues. While some may becomfortable dictating to computers in the privacy of their home oroffice, few are able or willing to do so in public.

[0011] Finally, many portable electronic devices avoid the input dilemmaaltogether by only interfacing with other electronic devices (primarilypersonal computers). While this strategy further enhances the size andportability of these products, it eliminates the increasingly importantneed to input information and communicate in the field. To date, theinformation technology industry has been stifled by a lack of acceptableinput devices that provide both full size usability and compactportability. As a result, the growth rates and acceptance of many newproducts, particularly portable electronic devices, have beensignificantly constrained. Until now, consumers who input informationhave been forced to sacrifice either size or usability.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a substantially fullsize data entry panel with normal key spacing. It is a further object ofthe invention to make the data entry panel collapsible to a small,compact size. It is another object of the invention that the panel hasan acceptable tactile response. It is a final object of the inventionthat the panel be economically manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The foregoing objects of the invention are satisfied by acollapsible data entry panel of the invention. The panel in its mostbasic form comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material havingformed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on itsinner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material havingconductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and a resilient,flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet materiallayers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to andspaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause acorresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive tracecarried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuitrepresentative of the depressed key.

[0014] The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surfacearea less than ½ and as small as ⅓ of its extended configuration.Specifically, by twisting the respective ends of the panel in oppositedirections, while applying a slight inward pressure, the frame flips,twists and collapses upon itself. The collapsed panel typicallycomprises three lobes, thus having a surface area of about ⅓ theoriginal size. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fitinto a shirt pocket or purse. If the panel is subsequently released, itwill automatically spring back to its original, extended configuration.

[0015] The lower layer comprises a flexible, lightweight fabric withindependent patterns of circuits (conductive traces) printed inconductive ink on the top or inner surface. Each circuit includes a pairof contact points for each “key.” The printed conductive traces, otherthan the contact points, may be coated with an insulating material(s) toprovide protection from wear and tear. The top layer is also formed froma lightweight flexible fabric, but alternatively could comprise a thin,molded polymer material. Preferably, the keys are formed by printing athick polymer material onto the outer surface of the top layer so as toform a three dimensional key surface that may be felt by the user.Alternatively, the top layer could be molded or embossed to formcup-shaped keys. The inner surface of the top layer contains conductiveareas or contacts that correspond to the contact points on the lowerlayer. Preferably, the top and bottom layers are insulated from eachother by the airspace created by the frame when the fabric is pulledtaut.

[0016] Alternatively or in addition, an intermediate layer of fabric isinserted between the top and bottom layers, particularly when theindependent patterns of circuits (conductive traces) are separated andprinted on the opposing top and bottom layers. The intermediate layerhas a pattern of holes that correspond to the contact points. Therebythe intermediate layer allows the contact points to meet (when a “key”is depressed) but otherwise insulates the top and bottom traces from anyunintended short circuits.

[0017] The frame is preferably a hoop of spring steel. In its opened orextended configuration, the frame pulls the two layers taut, creating anairspace between layers to insulate the upper and lower conductivetraces.

[0018] The present invention is a creative and unique solution topreviously insurmountable problems in the art. Input devices based onthis design offer standard functionality when opened, and compact easyportability when closed. Depending on the materials used, the weight ofthe data entry panel can be a fraction of comparable full sized devices.They can also be designed to closely match user preferences, bothfunctional and ornamental, and to interface with a wide variety ofelectronic equipment.

[0019] The data entry panel of the invention has applicability as afull-sized computer keyboard or can be use for other input devices, suchas musical keyboards, numerical keypads, and specialized keyboards. Thepanel is slim, flexible and lightweight. It provides conventionalutilization in terms of a full-size layout, standard key spacing andproper tactile response, while also having the ability to be compressedto a compact size. When the panel is not in use it is reduced to aboutone-third its size by twisting and collapsing the frame and structureonto itself and forming (three) joined sections. In this manner, thepanel is reduced to approximately the size of a thin doughnut and storedcomfortably on a belt or in a shirt pocket or purse. This flexibilityallows the data entry panel of the invention to be employed as a standalone peripheral, or to be integrated with other components, such asmicroprocessors and displays, to become a self-contained handhelddevice. For example, the surface areas that form the three lobes whenthe unit is collapsed (the areas that substantially do not fold or bend)could house additional microprocessors, displays, power supplies, etc.By adding flexible displays and circuits throughout the unit astand-alone computer, wireless telephone, or other device can becreated.

[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description as considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a plan view of the collapsible data entry panel of theinvention in an extended, panel configuration.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the collapsible data entry panel of theinvention in a collapsed, compact configuration.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the data entry panel of theinvention in the collapsed, compact configuration.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the data entry panel of theinvention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the inside surface of a portion of theupper layer of flexible material.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the inside surface of a portion of thelower layer of flexible material corresponding to the portion of theupper layers illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a cross-section of an alternative frame member.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a second alternative frame memberhaving a electronic cable.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-section of a switching means.

[0030]FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-section of a key.

[0031]FIG. 11 is a detailed cross-section of an alternative key.

[0032]FIG. 12 is a cross-section of a second embodiment of theinvention.

[0033]FIG. 13 is an inside plan view of an upper layer of flexiblematerial of the invention taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

[0034]FIG. 14 is a plan view of an intermediate layer of flexiblematerial of the invention taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

[0035]FIG. 15 is an inside plan view of a lower layer of flexiblematerial of the invention taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12.

[0036]FIG. 16 is a plan view of a third embodiment if the invention,illustrating a music keyboard.

[0037]FIG. 17 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the invention,illustrating an integrated microcomputer

[0038]FIG. 18 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention,illustrating a personal communication device.

[0039]FIG. 19 is plan view of a sixth embodiment of the invention,illustrating a programmable calculator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Turning now to the drawings, a collapsible date entry panel 10 ofthe invention is shown. The term “data entry panel” covers all types ofinput devices, including keyboards, key panels, pointing devices andother tactile input devices for computers, telephones, palm pilots,electronic games, and other electronic devices. The panel 10 comprisesan upper layer of flexible sheet material 12, a lower layer of flexiblesheet material 14, and a flexible frame 18 for holding the layers ofsheet material in a substantially taut, spaced apart relationship. Thedata entry panel 10 of the invention is collapsible to a surface arealess than ½ and as small as ⅓ of the extended panel, as shown in FIGS. 2and 3. Specifically, by twisting the respective ends of the panel 10 inopposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure, the frame18 flips, twists and collapses onto itself. The collapsed paneltypically comprises three lobes, thus having a surface area of about ⅓the original size. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can easilyfit into a shirt pocket. If the panel 10 is subsequently released, itwill automatically spring back to its original, extended shape.

[0041] A plurality of electric circuits and switches are provided forthe operation of the individual keys of the date entry panel of theinvention. The circuits are at least partly held in between the upperand lower layers 12,14. More specifically, the electric circuitscomprise conductive traces 26 printed on an inner surface of one or bothof the layers 12,14. In the most preferred embodiment, conductive traces26 are printed on the inner surface 24 lower layer 14. FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate conceptually upper and lower traces, respectively, of thepreferred embodiment. FIGS. 5 and 6 merely illustrate the basic conceptthat depression of a key completes a circuit unique to that key, whichis then decoded for digital transmission. The traces or electroniccircuits 26 are electrically connected to a multiple conductor cable 32.Cable 32 terminates in a plug 34.

[0042] A plurality of switching means are formed between the layers12,14 for operation of individual keys. The switching means comprisepair of contacts, each pair being electrically connected to a respectiveelectrical circuit. Depressing the upper layer 12 at a select locationcauses a pair of contacts at that location to meet, completing acircuit. The switching means may be formed in a variety of ways. In themost preferred embodiment, each circuit trace printed on the lower layer14 includes a pair of closely spaced contact points 27 a,27 b. An innersurface 20 of the upper layer carries conductive contact or switchmember 23. Contact 23 is preferably a metal disk to provide good contactand improved tactile feel; however, other conductive means could be usedsuch as a spot of conductive ink. Each upper layer contact 23,corresponds to a pair of points 27 a,27 b, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9.The outer surface of upper layer of sheet material 12 has keys 30 orother indicia, which correspond to the contacts 23 and 27. When a userof the data entry panel of the invention depresses a key 30 the upperlayer 12 depends downwardly causing contact 23 to meet and bridge thepair of contacts 27. This completes a circuit that is unique to thedepressed key.

[0043] Optionally, one may provide a spacer 29 around one or both of thecontacts. Spacer 29 is preferably formed of a soft electrometricmaterial. The spacer functions to hold the upper and lower contacts is aspaced relationship. Because the material is soft, it is readilycompressed by a finger (key stroke) to cause the contacts 23,27 to meetand complete the circuit for that key. The size and softness of thespacer 29 may be adjusted to provide a desired tactile feel to the dataentry panel of the invention. Spacer 29 although desirable for someapplications is not an essential element of the invention. Spacingbetween contacts is preferably provided by the cooperative relationbetween the frame and flexible sheet, that holds upper and lower layerstaut and spaced apart one from the other. Further, the spacers 29 mayprovide added bulk that interferes with the collapsibility of the panel.

[0044] Decoding circuitry (not shown) converts the specific completedcircuit into a signal representing the key that had been depressed forinput to a microcomputer or other electronic device. Keyboard decodingcircuitry is well known in the art. The decoding circuitry mayadvantageously be housed within plug 34, may be stitched into orotherwise held in panel 10, or may be a held in a separate housing.

[0045] The upper 12 and lower 14 fabric layers maybe fabricated from anyflexible sheet material. Nylon fabric woven for dimensional stabilityhas been found to work particularly well for the bottom layer thatpreferably carries the circuits or trace patterns. The sheet material isdesirably lightweight, strong and flexible. The upper layer 12 ispreferably a lightweight, four-way stretch material, such as Lycra®. Thefabric may be made in any color or color pattern, which opens manymarketing opportunities for creative design. There may be instanceswhere the lower layer is not flexible, for example a keyboard mounted ona wall or other hard surface. Alternatively, a desktop version may beprovided where the upper layer of the keyboard is made of a flexiblesheet material, but the lower layer is built into a finished piece ofwood, stone, or other hard material.

[0046] The upper surface of upper layer 12 is printed with indiciarepresenting desired keyboard keys. Each such key indicia is printedover the corresponding switch. Preferably, the key itself is formed byprinting the upper surface of the upper layer with a polymeric materialto form a raised, cup-shaped area for receiving the finger tip of auser, each such area corresponding to the keys 30 or other indicia.Alternatively, keys may be formed by embossing or molding the upperlayer 12, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0047] The electric circuits 26 and contacts 23 and 27 may be formed ofany suitably conductive material. Conductive ink screen printed to theaforementioned nylon fabric is preferred. Acceptable conductive ink isCMI 114-31, available from Creative Materials, Tyngsboro, Mass. The inkor other conductive material must be able to withstand repeated fatiguewithout forming cracks or other defects that could to lead to failure ofthe circuit.

[0048] Optionally, foam or other materials may be inserted betweenlayers 12 and 14 to improve the feel or tactile response of the panel.However, these are generally not preferred as they add bulk to thepanel, makes it more difficult to collapse, and increases the size ofthe panel in its collapsed configuration.

[0049] Frame 18 is preferably fabricated from spring steel.Alternatively, the frame may be made from other materials, such asplastic, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Alternatively, the frame may beformed of composite materials, e.g., fiberglass, or a composite steeland extruded polypropylene structure. Regardless of material chosen, theframe should have spring-like characteristics. Thereby, the frame isadapted to twist and collapse into three (or more) lobes, and onrelease, to spring back to its original shape. The frame functions tohold layers 12 and 14 taut and juxtaposed relative to one another. Theheight of the frame is preferably about 3-5 mm. This will result inspacing apart the layers 12 and 14 by 3 mm or more. The spacing isimportant, particularly to create the proper tactile response. It is toosmall, false contacts between traces 22 and 26 could result. If thespacing is too large, it may be cumbersome to make desired contacts. Aframe height may be adjusted as desired to provide a comfortablekeystroke.

[0050] It is contemplated that means other than a spring-like flexibleframe could be employed for stretching or otherwise holding layers 12and 14 taut and juxtaposed relative to one another. For example, a rigidframe could be used to mount the layers of sheet material on anautomobile steering wheel. A flexible, albeit not collapsible, frame ofpolymer material could be used to incorporate the panel of the inventioninto clothing.

[0051] The peripheral margins of the flexible layers may be attached tothe frame in any manner. The upper and lower layers may be sewn togetherwith the frame loosely held between layers. Flexible layers can also beattached either by using adhesives or sonic welding. Alternatively, theframe may include fasteners, such as grooves 19, for holding the edgesof the sheet material. The frame may further include, if desired, achannel or other passageway for holding a cable 21.

[0052] The data entry panel of the invention may desirably include apointing device, such as a touch panel, mouse, or pointing stick, formoving a cursor on a display. A touch panel 36 is shown. The pointingdevice is electrically connected to a microprocessor having a display.Finger movement on the panel is transmitted to underlying circuitrywhich senses the direction of finger movement and transmits the same tothe microprocessor's screen driver circuitry which repositions thecursor on the screen, as is known in the art. As the panel 10 of theinvention collapses into essentially three lobes, it is possible toincorporate a thin, relatively inflexible component, such as a touchpanel, in one of the lobes. The touch panel may be mounted in anyconventional manner, for example by sewing the panel to the upper layer12.

[0053] The data entry panel of the invention may be used for a varietyof functions. A computer keyboard is shown in FIG. 1. A music keyboard,e.g., piano, is shown in FIG. 9. A key pad for a personal communicationdevice is shown in FIG. 11. A pocket calculator is shown if FIG. 12.Other applications for the invention will be apparent to those skilledin the art.

[0054] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 12-15. Inthe second embodiment, the reference numerals generally correspond tothe first embodiment, but in the 100 series. A collapsible date entrypanel 110 comprises an upper flexible layer of flexible sheet material112, a lower layer of flexible sheet material 114, and intermediatelayer of flexible sheet material 116, and a flexible frame 118 forholding the layers of sheet material in a substantially tautrelationship. An inner surface 120 of the upper layer carries aconductive trace 122 and a plurality of contacts 123, as shown in FIG.13. The inner surface 124 of the lower layer carries a conductive trace126 with corresponding contacts 127, as shown in FIG. 15. Theintermediate layer 116 has a pattern of holes 28 that correspondrespectively to the contacts in the upper and lower traces. The upperlayer of sheet material 112 has keys 130 or other indicia on its outersurface, which likewise correspond to the contacts 123 and 127. Thetraces 122 and 126 are electrically connected to a multiple conductorcable 132. Cable 132 terminates in a plug 134. When a user of the dataentry panel of the invention depresses a key the upper layer 112 dependsdownwardly causing the upper 123 and lower 127 contacts to contact oneanother through the respective hole 128. This completes a circuit thatis unique to the depressed key. As in the first embodiment, decodingcircuitry (not shown) converts the specific completed circuit into asignal representing the key that had been depressed for input to amicrocomputer or other electronic device.

[0055] It is contemplated that various component parts may beincorporated into the panel of the invention. FIG. 16 illustratescollapsible microcomputer 200, comprising a keyboard 210, a pointingdevice 236, a display 202, microprocessor 204 and power supply 206. Thekeyboard element 210 is constructed as described above in reference toeither the first or second embodiments. The microprocessor 204 and powersupply 206 could be made in a sufficient small size to fit within one ofthe lobes of the panel 200, such that panel could be collapsed withoutdamage to the processor or power supply.

[0056] The display 202 is preferably flexible so that it may becollapsed with the panel 200. For example, display 202 may beconstructed by “electronic paper” techniques, currently underdevelopment by several companies such as E-ink Corporation, Cambridge,Mass. Cambridge Display Technologies is one company that is developing acomputer display that utilizes electronic paper technology. Electronicpaper technology is based on ink comprised of microcapsules that may beapplied to surfaces, such as upper layer 212 of flexible sheet material.Each microcapsule contains colored chips that when appropriatelyenergized form letters or other images. Whether utilizing electronicpaper technology or other emerging technologies, such as organic lightemitting diodes, it is intended that the display 202 should be flexibleso that the panel 200 including display 202 may be collapsed asdescribed above.

[0057] The several embodiments of the invention may be manufacturedeconomically. Indeed the cost of the spring frame, fabric and conductivetraces may be sufficiently small that the panel could be sold as adisposable keyboard.

[0058] The objects and advantages of the invention have therefore beenshown to be attained in a convenient, practical, economic and facilemanner. Although several preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention maybe made. The above description of the preferred embodiments is intendedto be illustrative of the invention as defined by the appended claims,and is not intended to limit the scope the scope of the invention or topreclude coverage of obvious modifications or equivalent embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data entry panel comprising an upper layer offlexible sheet material; a lower layer of sheet material; at least oneelectrical circuit at least partly between said upper and lower layersof sheet material; at least one switch means between said upper andlower layers of sheet material whereby depression of said upper layer tosaid lower layer at said switch means will complete said electricalcircuit; and means for holding at least said upper layer of sheetmaterial taut and spaced apart from said lower layer of sheet material.2. A data entry panel as in claim 1, wherein said lower layer of sheetmaterial is flexible.
 3. A data entry panel as in claim 2 having both anextended, substantially planar configuration and a collapsedconfiguration, the surface area of said panel in said collapsedconfiguration being less than ½ the surface area in said extendedconfiguration.
 4. A data entry panel as in claim 1, wherein said meansfor holding comprises a flexible frame at the peripheral margins of saidupper and lower layers of sheet material.
 5. A flexible data entry panelas in claim 4, wherein said frame comprises spring steel.
 6. A flexibledata entry panel as in claim 1, wherein said electrical circuit is on aninner surface of one of said layers of sheet material, and said switchmeans comprises a pair of contact points connected to said circuit and aconductive switch member on the inner surface of the other of saidlayers of sheet material, said switch member being juxtaposed relativeto said pair of contact points, whereby depression of said upper layerto said lower layer at said switch member will cause said switch memberto engage the corresponding said pair of contact points to complete saidcircuit.
 7. A data entry panel as in claim 1, wherein said electricalcircuit comprises a conductive trace on an inner surface of said upperlayer of sheet material and a conductive trace on an inner surface ofsaid lower layer of sheet material, and wherein said switch meanscomprises a pair of contact points, one point on said upper layer andthe other point on said lower layer, whereby depression of said upperlayer to said lower layer at said pair of contact points will cause thatpair of contact points to meet and complete said circuit.
 8. A dataentry panel as in claim 1 wherein said upper layer of sheet materialcomprises a four-way stretch material and lower layer of sheet materialcomprises dimensionally stable fabric.
 9. A data entry panel as in claim1 wherein said electrical circuit comprises traces of conductive inkprinted onto the inner surface of at least one of said layers of sheetmaterial.
 10. A data entry panel as in claim 1, further comprising apolymeric material adhered to said upper layer of sheet materialadjacent said switch means to form a finger tip receptive key.
 11. Adata entry panel as in claim 1, wherein said upper layer of sheetmaterial adjacent said switch means is embossed or molded to form afinger tip receptive key.
 12. A data entry panel as in claim 1, furthercomprising, an intermediate layer of flexible sheet material betweensaid upper and lower layers of sheet material, said intermediate layerhaving a plurality of openings therein.
 13. A data entry panel as inclaim 1, wherein an outer surface of said upper layer of sheet materialhas a plurality of indicia thereon, said data entry panel having aplurality of said switch means, each said indicia corresponding to arespective one of said switch means, each said indicia representing akey.
 14. A collapsible data entry panel as in claim 1, furthercomprising a pointing device mounted to at least one of said layers ofsheet material.
 15. A data entry panel as in claim 1, wherein an uppersurface of said upper layer of sheet material has indicia representing apiano keyboard and said data entry panel comprises a multiplicity ofswitching means, at least one said switching means corresponding to eachsaid piano key.
 16. A data entry panel comprising an upper layer offlexible sheet material; a lower layer of flexible sheet material; aplurality of electrical traces on the inner surface of at least one ofsaid layers of flexible sheet material; a pair of contact points on atleast one of said layers of flexible sheet material, each said pair ofcontact points connected to respective said traces, whereby depressionof said layers together at a selected pair of contact points willcomplete a circuit between said contact points; and a frame for holdingsaid upper and lower layers of sheet material taut and spaced apart fromone another.
 17. A data entry panel as in claim 16, said panel havingboth an extended, substantially planar configuration and a collapsedconfiguration, the surface area of said panel in said collapsedconfiguration being less than ½ the surface area in said extendedconfiguration.
 18. A collapsible keyboard comprising an upper layer offabric having a plurality of indicia on its outer surface representingkeys, and having a plurality of upper contacts, each said upper contactcorresponding to a respective one of said indicia; a lower layer offabric having a plurality of contact points corresponding to thecontacts of said upper layer; a plurality of electrical circuitsconnected to either said upper or lower contacts, each circuitrepresenting a respective one of said keys; and a resilient, flexibleframe between said upper and lower fabric layers at the peripheralmargins of layers, said frame holding said upper and lower fabric layerstaut and parallel to one another, and said frame being collapsible intoa comparatively smaller disk.
 19. A data entry panel comprising an upperlayer of flexible sheet material; a lower layer of flexible sheetmaterial; a plurality of electrical circuits at least partly betweensaid upper and lower layers of sheet material; a plurality of switchesbetween said upper and lower layers of sheet material whereby depressionof one said layer to the other said layer at a select one of saidswitches will complete a corresponding one of said electrical circuits;and said data entry panel having an extended, substantially planarconfiguration; and said data entry panel having a collapsedconfiguration, the surface area of said panel in said collapsedconfiguration being less than 12 the surface area in said extendedconfiguration.
 20. A data entry panel as in claim 19, further comprisinga flexible frame around the periphery of said upper and lower panels.21. A method of collapsing an electronic device, comprising: providing asubstantially planar electronic device comprised of flexible sheetmaterial and a flexible frame; applying inward force to the respectiveends of said device; twisting the respective ends in opposite directionswhile applying said inward force; and collapsing said device to a sizethat has less than ½ the planar surface area of said device.
 22. Amethod of collapsing an electronic device as in claim 21, wherein saidelectronic device is a keyboard.